H.R. 8210 — A Stronger Workforce for America Act of 2026

This section amends the purposes of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) as follows: (1) in paragraph (1), changing "support services" to "supportive services"; (2) in paragraph (2), inserting ", for youth and adults," after "economic development systems"; (3) in paragraph (6), replacing "reduce welfare dependency" with "provide economic mobility, reduce dependency on public assistance programs"; and (4) adding a new paragraph (7) to prepare a globally competitive workforce by developing robust education and skills development programs for youth to access career pathways into in-demand industry sectors and occupations.

This section amends several definitions in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102), which authorizes federal workforce development programs including adult education, dislocated worker services, and youth activities. Specifically, the section (1) revises the definition of foundational skill needs to include individuals with English reading, writing, or computing skills at or below the 8th grade level or lacking skills necessary to function in education, occupation, family, or society; (2) in the definition of career pathway, replaces "secondary school diploma" with "regular high school diploma"; (3) redefines employer-directed skills development to require employer payment of at least 10% of program costs for employers with 50 or fewer employees, 25% for those with 51-100 employees, and 50% for those with more than 100 employees (among other criteria); (4) in the definition of dislocated worker, adds closures or layoffs due to advances in automation technology and updates a cross-reference; (5) in the definition of displaced homemaker, replaces "family members" with "a family member"; (6) in the definition of English learner, strikes "language" from the heading and text; (7) in the definition of individual with a barrier to employment, updates a citation, adds out-of-school youth, redesignates subparagraphs, and updates a cross-reference; (8) in the definition of industry or sector partnership, requires inclusion of another labor representative to the extent practicable and adds state and local educational and higher education agencies; (9) in the definition of local area, updates a cross-reference; (10) redefines local educational agency and state educational agency by reference to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965; (11) in the definition of local plan, updates a cross-reference; (12) in the definition of low-income individual, updates a citation; and (13) revises the definition of pay-for-performance contract strategy to specify use of performance-based contracts for certain services with fixed payments based on performance indicators.

This section amends the table of contents for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act by (1) redesignating the item relating to section 172 as section 175; (2) inserting after the item for section 171 new items for sections 172 (Reentry employment opportunities), 173 (Youth apprenticeship readiness grant program), and 174 (Strengthening community colleges workforce development grants program); and (3) striking the item for section 190 and inserting "Make America Skilled Again grants."

This section revises the stated purposes of the Job Corps program—a residential education and job training program for at-risk youth ages 16-24—by (1) replacing "centers" with "campuses" wherever it appears (i.e., "primarily residential campuses"); and (2) in describing credentials obtained by enrollees, replacing "secondary school diplomas" with "regular high school diplomas or their recognized equivalents"; and (3) restructuring the postsecondary outcomes from two options—careers or postsecondary education including apprenticeships—to three separate options: (i) careers in in-demand sectors or the Armed Forces; (ii) enrollment in postsecondary education; or (iii) enrollment in an apprenticeship program.

This section revises definitions in the Job Corps program (i.e., a residential education and vocational training program for at-risk youth aged 16-24) under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act as follows: (1) replaces "center" with "campus" in the definitions of applicable local board, Job Corps campus (including heading), operator, and service provider; (2) expands the definition of applicable local board to include a local board serving the community in which the Job Corps campus is located (in addition to communities where graduates seek employment); and (3) revises the definition of graduate to require a "regular high school diploma or its recognized equivalent" (from "secondary school diploma or recognized equivalent") or completion of a career and technical education program that (A) prepares individuals for employment leading to economic self-sufficiency or postsecondary education or training and (B) may lead to a recognized postsecondary credential (i.e., an industry-recognized credential, certificate, or license approved by workforce entities).

This section revises eligibility criteria for Job Corps—a residential education and job training program for at-risk youth—by (1) increasing the maximum age for enrollment to age 24 (from 21); (2) permitting the date of application to be used for age calculation if enrollment occurs within 60 days of application; (3) requiring an individual determination by a Job Corps campus director for 16- or 17-year-olds based on criteria in section 145(b)(1); (4) expanding eligibility under paragraph (a)(2) to residents of qualified opportunity zones; (5) simplifying paragraph (a)(3)(A) to "Has foundational skill needs"; (6) updating a statutory citation in paragraph (a)(3)(C); (7) expanding the priority heading and definition in subsection (b) to include members of the Armed Forces eligible for preseparation counseling under the Transition Assistance Program (10 U.S.C. 1142); and (8) adding subsection (c) to require eligibility determinations for homeless youth and foster youth to comply with specified processes under the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1087uu-2).

This section revises standards and procedures for recruitment, screening, and selection of Job Corps enrollees (i.e., residential education and job training program for at-risk youth aged 16-24) by (1) extending the timeframe for receiving drug test results to 55 days after enrollment (from 45 days); (2) requiring the Secretary of Labor to assist one-stop centers and specified entities in developing joint applications for Job Corps, YouthBuild (i.e., housing and construction training program for at-risk youth), and youth workforce activities under WIOA section 129; and (3) replacing "center" with "campus" and "centers" with "campuses" throughout subsections (b), (c), and (d).

This section revises provisions governing operators and service providers for Job Corps campuses (previously centers)—a residential career and technical education program under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act for at-risk youth aged 16-24—by changing the term "center" to "campus" throughout the section and making the following changes: (1) in operator eligibility, adds institutions of higher education as eligible entities; (2) in operator selection criteria, strikes prior consideration of past performance reports; adds requirements to consider (a) past numeric achievement on primary performance indicators for eligible youth under section 116(b)(2)(A)(ii) or comparable metrics for at-risk youth, and (b) any Office of Inspector General reports; expands consideration of workforce council-proposed training to include its alignment with local employment opportunities and pathways to postsecondary credentials or credits; requires consideration of agreements for off-campus work-based learning; and adds consideration of ability to implement behavior management and maintain a safe environment; (3) in operator proposals, requires description of campus security and access policies, including responses to disciplinary violations and emergencies; and expands required credentials to include postsecondary credits permitting articulation into credential programs; (4) increases the limit on competitively selected operators to 25% (from 20%) and changes "secondary school diplomas" to "regular high school diplomas"; (5) increases the limit in subsection (c) to 30% (from 20%); (6) extends the initial contract period to a 3-year period (from 2 years); and (7) revises termination conditions to include failure to achieve an average of 80% or higher of expected performance across primary youth indicators or specified onboard strength levels.

This section revises Job Corps program activities (29 U.S.C. 3198) as follows: (1) replaces "center" and "centers" with "campus" and "campuses" throughout, including in the subsection (a) heading; (2) requires each campus to provide productive activities—such as tutoring or other skills development—for enrollees outside regular class time and work hours; (3) specifies that campuses must provide access to career services in subclauses (I) through (V) of section 134(c)(2)(A)(ii) or clauses (i) through (viii) of section 134(c)(2)(B) (previously, clauses (i) through (xi) of section 3174(c)(2)(A)); (4) authorizes the Secretary to arrange enrollee career and technical education and training through area career and technical education schools (previously, career and technical educational institutions), among other entities; (5) permits advanced career training through any eligible provider under section 3152 (previously, the eligible providers) that is aligned with the enrollee's completed career and technical education; and (6) requires the Secretary to coordinate with the operator of the Job Corps program in which a graduate was enrolled regarding activities in subsection (d). (Job Corps campuses serve at-risk youth aged 16-24 with residential education, career training, and support services to promote employment, further education, or military service.)

This section modifies Job Corps placement requirements to (1) require the Secretary of Labor, in coordination with the operator of a Job Corps campus, to arrange for assessment and counseling for enrollees assigned to such campus prior to their scheduled graduations; and (2) require such coordination in utilizing the one-stop delivery system (i.e., local workforce development services) to arrange graduate job placements. (Job Corps provides residential academic and career training to at-risk youth aged 16-24.)

This section replaces "centers" with "campuses" in the provision authorizing personal allowances for Job Corps enrollees and establishes a one-month post-graduation transition period during which approved graduates may remain enrollees and residents of a Job Corps campus notwithstanding the enrollment requirements of section 146(b). (Job Corps is a residential job training program administered by the Department of Labor for at-risk youth ages 16-24.)

This section amends sec. 151 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) by (1) replacing the term "center" with "campus" throughout the section; and (2) adding subsections (d) and (e). New subsection (d) grants Job Corps campus operators authority, without prior Secretary of Labor approval and subject to approved budgets, to hire staff and provide professional development; enter agreements with federal, state, or local educational partners (e.g., secondary schools, institutions of higher education, child development centers, Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps units, or employers); and engage stakeholders on operations and selection. It exempts child care agreements under such authority from certain procurement requirements (chapter 67 of title 41, U.S. Code), provided no WIOA funds are used for the services. New subsection (e) requires the Secretary to solicit cost impact information from operators before changing campus agreements or operating plans. (Job Corps campuses provide residential job training and education to at-risk youth aged 16-24.)

This section revises Job Corps standards of conduct (29 U.S.C. 3202), a residential job training program for at-risk youth aged 16-24, as follows: (1) replaces "centers" with "campuses" throughout; (2) requires each campus director, as part of the operating plan under section 151(a), to develop and implement a behavior management plan consistent with the standards and approved by the Secretary; (3) narrows the zero tolerance policy under subsection (b)(2)(A) to acts of violence, controlled substance violations, alcohol abuse, or other illegal activity (from "illegal or disruptive activity"); (4) makes zero tolerance dismissals subject to the appeal process; and (5) establishes a new director appeals process, to be implemented not later than one year after enactment of the A Stronger Workforce for America Act of 2026, under which a director may request retaining a zero tolerance violator through alternative disciplinary actions (instead of automatic separation), supported by a safety certification and the enrollee's behavioral records, with Secretary review required within 30 days and automatic approval if not denied.

This section revises Job Corps community participation requirements by (1) replacing "center" or "centers" with "campus" or "campuses" throughout the section (i.e., in subsections (a), (b), and (c) heading), and (2) adding industry or sector partnerships—where applicable—to the list of entities (e.g., apprenticeship programs, labor organizations) with which each Job Corps campus must establish relationships and networks. (Job Corps campuses are Department of Labor-funded residential centers providing academic, vocational, and social skills training to at-risk youth ages 16-24.)

This section revises workforce council requirements for Job Corps by (1) replacing "center" with "campus" throughout (including the subsection (d) heading, from "New centers" to "New campuses"); (2) adding representatives of community-based organizations to council composition (previously private sector employers, labor organizations and employees, and enrollees/graduates); and (3) requiring councils to determine, based on labor market information, the skills, recognized postsecondary credentials, and education necessary for employment opportunities (adding ", recognized postsecondary credentials,"). (As background, Job Corps is a Department of Labor residential training program for at-risk youth ages 16-24, and workforce councils advise on curricula aligned to local labor needs.)

This section revises advisory committee authorities for the Job Corps program (i.e., a Department of Labor residential education and job training program for at-risk youth ages 16-24) by (1) redesignating the existing discretionary authority as subsection (a) In General; (2) replacing references to "centers" and "center" with "campuses"; and (3) requiring the Secretary, not later than one year after enactment of the A Stronger Workforce for America Act of 2026, to establish an advisory committee to recommend effective or evidence-based strategies to improve (A) safety, security, and learning conditions on Job Corps campuses; (B) campus safety standards under sec. 159(c)(4); (C) performance levels under sec. 159(c)(1), including their effectiveness, rigor, and promotion of continuous improvement; and (D) performance improvement plans and related measures.

This section modifies experimental projects and technical assistance authorities for the Job Corps program (i.e., a residential education and vocational training program for disadvantaged youth ages 16-24) by (1) replacing references to "center" and "centers" with "campus" and "campuses" throughout; and (2) in subsection (b), (A) increasing the amount the Secretary may reserve from administrative funds under section 3212 to 1.25% (from ¼ of 1%), and (B) expanding technical assistance to include helping Job Corps campuses and programs with the development and implementation of behavior management plans under section 152(a) and compliance with campus and student safety standards under section 159(c)(4).

This section revises special provisions applicable to the Job Corps program (i.e., a residential job training program for at-risk youth ages 16-24) by (1) replacing "center" with "campus" each place it appears throughout the section; and (2) in subsection (f), authorizing the Secretary of Labor (or Secretary of Agriculture, as appropriate), on behalf of the Job Corps, or a Job Corps campus operator, on behalf of such campus, to accept grants and charitable cash donations (previously, authorizing only the Secretary to accept charitable cash donations on behalf of the Job Corps or individual campuses), and requiring nonreimbursable transfer to the Secretary of any property acquired by a Job Corps campus, notwithstanding specified property management laws (40 USC 501(b), 522).

This section revises performance requirements for Job Corps campuses (replacing "center" with "campus" throughout) under sec. 159 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3209). (As background, Job Corps provides residential education, vocational training, and job placement services to at-risk youth ages 16-24.) Specifically, it (1) requires the Secretary of Labor to establish adjusted levels of performance that are ambitious yet achievable, considering campus history, state youth program benchmarks, continuous improvement, and advisory input, with levels set per contract, economic downturn adjustments (requiring a congressional report), and quadrennial Inspector General review; (2) directs establishment of campus safety standards (considering incidents, surveys, and advisory input), with technical assistance and improvement plans for failing campuses; (3) expands annual reporting to Congress on contract renewals, new operators, performance improvement cases, and state wage record use for earnings metrics; (4) enhances the public Job Corps website with consumer-tested, searchable data and adds reporting on student appeals; and (5) makes conforming terminology changes (e.g., "gender" to "sex"; "regular secondary school diploma" to "regular high school diploma") and cross-reference updates. This section further revises subsection (f) on performance assessments and improvements.

This section modifies Job Corps oversight requirements by (1) replacing "center" with "campus" in the heading and text of subsection (c) on criteria for campus closures; (2) inserting a new subsection (d) that requires the Secretary of Labor to submit annual reports to the applicable congressional committees on the implementation of all outstanding recommendations regarding the Job Corps program from the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General or Government Accountability Office; and (3) redesignating former subsection (d) as subsection (e). (Job Corps is a residential job training program for at-risk youth ages 16-24.)

This section authorizes $1,760,155,000 for each of FY2027 through 2032 (replacing prior authorizations of $1,688,155,000 for FY2015, increasing annually to $1,983,236,000 for FY2020) to carry out adult education and literacy activities under subtitle B of title I of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). (These activities provide formula grants to states to improve literacy skills of adults with low basic skills, English language acquisition, and workforce preparation.)

This section revises Section 166 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), which authorizes workforce investment activities and grants for Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian-serving entities (i.e., employment and training services targeted to Native populations), as follows: (1) updates statutory citations to reflect current codification of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act; (2) updates additional statutory citations and cross-references; (3) expands eligible activities under subsection (d)(1) to include self-employment leading to employment and requires such activities to be evidence-based, to the extent practicable; (4) limits administrative costs to 15% of funds under subsection (d)(2)(B), reinstates eligibility for participants from the former Job Training Partnership Act, and permits transfer of unobligated funds to the next award year; (5) expands training under subsection (e)(3) to include skills for successful self-employment; (6) revises performance accountability under subsection (h) to require consultation on standards, statistical adjustments for economic conditions and participant needs, incorporation into program plans, use of State wage records (or tribal-submitted documentation for workers in Indian country), and annual public reporting of performance results; and (7) enhances Native American Employment and Training Council operations under subsection (i), including annual recommendation meetings (virtual or in person), vacancy rules, and revised intergrantee coordination requirements.

This section revises the Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker Program (i.e., grants every four years to eligible entities for workforce investment activities, related assistance, and supportive services to help eligible migrant and seasonal farmworkers and dependents obtain, retain, or stabilize unsubsidized employment) as follows: (1) prohibits the Secretary of Labor from imposing geographic limitations on grantee eligibility or service areas; (2) requires the Secretary to arrange for use of state wage records to evaluate grantee performance on specified employment and earnings indicators and to publish annual performance reports for funded entities on primary indicators of performance and adjusted levels; (3) adds development of digital literacy skills to allowable activities; (4) limits administrative costs to no more than 10% of funds provided to grantees; and (5) extends the funding obligation period to April 1 of the calendar year beginning in the fiscal year of appropriation through June 30 of the following calendar year.

This section revises general technical assistance provisions under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) by replacing references to "training" and "staff development" with "education" and "professional development for staff"; adding three new required activities—(1) assistance to one-stop delivery systems and Wagner-Peyser Employment Service for integrating basic career services, (2) assistance to states in maintaining and publicizing eligible training provider lists under WIOA section 122, and (3) assistance to states applying for section 122(j) incentives; and renumbering existing subparagraphs accordingly. The section retitles and expands dislocated worker technical assistance—reserving up to 5% of specified WIOA funds—to "performance accountability" technical assistance for states failing core program performance measures under WIOA section 116(f), covering all core programs (i.e., adult, youth, and dislocated worker employment and training; adult education; Wagner-Peyser Employment Service; and vocational rehabilitation) rather than solely dislocated workers. The section further requires the Department of Labor to annually evaluate and disseminate to states and local areas evidence-based strategies addressing workforce impacts of substance use disorder prevalence in communities, including state practices and guidance on applying for related WIOA funding.

This section amends Section 169 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), which authorizes the Secretary of Labor to conduct evaluations and research on WIOA programs. Specifically, in subsection (a), it (1) revises evaluation priorities under paragraph (2) by adding a requirement to assess the use of emerging technology for labor market information, data integration, and addressing data infrastructure deficiencies; inserting ", including individuals with barriers to employment" in subparagraph (F); and redesignating subparagraph (G) as (H); (2) adds a limitation under paragraph (3)(B) prohibiting the Secretary from reserving funds for research and evaluation if required evaluations are not initiated or completed on time; and (3) revises paragraph (4) to require public dissemination of evaluation results beginning after enactment of the A Stronger Workforce for America Act of 2026 and annually thereafter through 2028 (from 2019). In subsection (b)(4), it replaces the existing provision with requirements for the Secretary to conduct studies on (A) unsubsidized employment conditions after program exit, including benefits and advancement opportunities; (B) access to services for individuals with disabilities across WIOA titles; (C) pay-for-performance strategies under §§129, 134, and 172, due within four years of enactment; (D) individual training accounts for dislocated workers, due within four years of enactment; (E) statewide critical industry skills funds under §134(a)(4), due within four years of enactment; and (F) industry or sector partnership and career pathways development funds under §134(a)(5), due within four years of enactment.

This section authorizes national dislocated worker grants to entities described in subsection (c)(1)(B) for employment and training activities related to the prevention and treatment of substance use disorders—including addiction treatment, mental health treatment, and pain management—in areas with higher-than-average demand exceeding state and local resources due to widespread substance use, addiction, and overdoses. (As background, national dislocated worker grants under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act provide employment and training assistance to eligible dislocated workers affected by major economic dislocations, disasters, or other specified events.) It further requires the Secretary of Labor to collect grantee performance data on primary indicators described in section 116(b)(2)(A)(i) (e.g., employment rate in the second and fourth quarters after program exit) and publish it on the Department's public website without personally identifiable information. The section also (1) updates grant application requirements in subsection (c)(1)(A) to cover the new grants under subsection (b)(1)(A) or (E); and (2) establishes eligibility under subsection (c)(2)(C) for such grants to include dislocated workers, long-term unemployed individuals, those unemployed or underemployed due to widespread substance use in the area, or individuals employed or seeking employment in related health care professions.

This section revises the YouthBuild program, which serves at-risk youth (generally ages 16-24) through education, occupational skills training, leadership development, and construction or rehabilitation of community facilities, as follows: (1) updates a cross-reference in subsection (b)(7) from 25 U.S.C. 450b to 25 U.S.C. 5304; (2) in subsection (c)— (A) establishes new reservations from grant funds of at least 5% for Indian tribes, tribal organizations, or Native Hawaiian organizations (as defined in 29 U.S.C. 3221(b)) and at least 10% for rural areas (with exceptions allowing up to $1.5 million per grant and reallocation of unused funds if insufficient qualified applications); (B) revises allowable program activities in paragraph (2), including terminology updates (e.g., "language learners" to "learners"; "secondary" to "regular high"; "drug and alcohol abuse" to "substance use disorder"), additions for disability services and unsubsidized employment retention, career services, meals/food assistance, and referrals to federal/state means-tested programs; (C) modifies grant application requirements in paragraph (3), including updates to performance descriptions (specifying preparation for in-demand sectors/occupations and regular high school diploma attainment; expected levels on primary indicators under 29 U.S.C. 3141(b)(2)(A)(ii)), references to tribal educational agencies (as defined in 20 U.S.C. 7452(b)), labor organizations, participant feedback strategies, and other clarifications; and (D) simplifies selection criteria language in paragraph (4) and makes conforming edits; (3) in subsection (e)(1)(B)(i), replaces "basic skills deficient" with "have foundational skill needs" and "secondary" with "regular high"; and (4) revises subsection (f) to require use of state wage records for evaluating employment/earnings performance and annual public reporting of program results on a departmental website.

This section redesignates section 172 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) as section 175 and inserts a new section 172 establishing the Reentry Employment Opportunities Program. The program, funded from amounts appropriated under new section 175(e), requires the Secretary of Labor to make competitive direct awards (via grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements) and intermediary awards to eligible entities for reentry projects serving eligible adults or youth involved with the justice system, and separately for youth reentry projects serving eligible youth. From available funds (not reserved under subsection (h)), the Secretary must allocate (1) at least 20% for intermediary awards to serve adults, including monitoring and support; (2) at least 20% for direct or intermediary youth awards, including monitoring and support where applicable; (3) 20% of funds for adult projects to eligible entities via pay-for-performance contracts based on specified performance indicators, with possible bonuses; and (4) awards to geographically diverse areas, prioritizing high-poverty or rural projects using evidence-based strategies that serve individuals pre-release or within 90 days of release, involve partnerships (e.g., businesses, higher education providers, local educational agencies, or programs under WIOA §225), and provide employer-aligned training with employment commitments. Initial awards are for up to 4 years, with possible additional 4-year awards to strong performers. (WIOA Subtitle D authorizes national programs for workforce services, including for special populations.)

This section establishes the Youth Apprenticeship Readiness Grant Program under WIOA Subtitle D (29 U.S.C. 3221 et seq.), authorizing the Secretary of Labor to award competitive grants to eligible entities (i.e., partnerships including employers, educational entities, workforce boards, and apprenticeship intermediaries) to develop or expand pre-apprenticeship and youth apprenticeship programs for in-school and out-of-school youth ages 16 through 24. Grants are funded from amounts available under section 414(c) of the American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act (29 U.S.C. 3224a), with up to 5% reserved for administration (not more than 3% for technical assistance and 2% for evaluations and best practices dissemination). Grants have an initial period of up to 4 years, extendable by 2 years for good progress; require a 25% non-Federal match; and prioritize applicants addressing workforce shortages, barriers to employment, low-income areas (median household income not more than 150% of poverty line), or high-need local educational agencies. Applications must describe the project (new or expanded pre-apprenticeship or youth apprenticeship programs), employer engagement, program design combining academics and on-the-job training, targeted youth populations, and assurances that programs lead to a high school diploma (or equivalent) and recognized postsecondary credential (not a baccalaureate degree) upon completion, except for certain existing apprenticeship programs requiring a high school diploma for entry. (Thus, the program aims to boost youth earnings, employment, and career pathways by aligning education and workforce systems.)

This section establishes a competitive Strengthening Community Colleges Workforce Development Grants program under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). The Secretary of Labor shall award grants to eligible institutions (i.e., community colleges) for initial periods of up to four years, renewable for additional four-year periods upon meeting agreed performance indicators, to establish, improve, or expand high-quality workforce development programs that lead to nationally or regionally portable, stackable postsecondary credentials aligned with high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand industry sectors or occupations. Of appropriated funds, the Secretary may reserve up to 2% for grant administration, technical assistance and outreach to institutions serving low-income individuals or those with employment barriers and rural institutions, and program evaluation and reporting. Grant applications must describe employer partnerships, labor market data, leveraged resources and program sustainability, quality assurance measures, target populations and areas, program details and credentials, evidence-based strategies, alignment with state and local plans, and performance goals.

This section authorizes appropriations for specified Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act programs for each of FY2027 through FY2032 by replacing prior subsections (a)-(d) of section 175: (1) $62.5 million for Native American programs under section 166 (excluding subsection (k)); (2) $97.396 million for migrant and seasonal farmworker programs under section 167; (3) $6 million for evaluations and research under section 169; (4) $110 million for the reentry program under section 172; and (5) $65 million for the strengthening community colleges program under section 173.

This section amends labor standards and requirements under section 181 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)—which governs federally funded job training and employment programs for adults, dislocated workers, and youth—as follows: (1) requires individuals in on-the-job training or employed in WIOA programs to comply with child labor provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and applicable state law; (2) requires employers using WIOA funds for on-the-job training, incumbent worker training, or employer-directed skills development provided directly to their own employees subject to a collective bargaining agreement to consult with the relevant labor organization on the planning and design of such training; (3) establishes that remedies for violations of WIOA labor standards, including ineligibility for further funding, apply for a period of not less than two years; (4) extends restrictions on using WIOA funds for activities related to business or facility relocation to include employer-directed skills development (previously applicable only to incumbent worker training); and (5) limits WIOA funds for supportive services (e.g., transportation, child care) to individuals participating in WIOA programs who cannot obtain such services from one-stop partner programs and require them to participate (except as provided in WIOA section 134(d)(2)).

This section revises sanctions for substantial violations by local areas under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), which authorizes federal allotments to states and local workforce development boards for adult, dislocated worker, and youth employment and training activities. Specifically, it (1) defines a substantial violation to include any willful violation of nondiscrimination or denial-of-services requirements under WIOA section 181(a) or (b) for which there has been a final determination without appeal rights; (2) requires each state Governor to establish procedures for local areas (and specified other entities for youth funds under section 128(a) or enforcement under section 122(g)) to determine substantial violations; (3) authorizes the Governor to reduce the violating local area's allotment under section 128(b) (youth activities) or 133(b) (adult and dislocated worker activities) by up to 5% for the fiscal year after the uncorrected violation occurs; and (4) requires reallocation of reduced amounts to other local areas in the state not subject to sanctions, which may prioritize those serving a significant number of individuals with barriers to employment (e.g., those receiving public assistance or with disabilities).

This section expands the list of statutory requirements eligible for waiver by states under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) general waiver authority to include (1) the procedures for review and approval of plans, performance reports under WIOA section 116(d), and the requirement under WIOA section 134(c)(1)(B); and (2) requires the Secretary of Labor, not later than one year after the date of enactment of the A Stronger Workforce for America Act of 2026, to issue guidance and model templates to assist states in requesting common waivers. (WIOA authorizes federal funding for state and local workforce development programs, including job training, employment services, and youth programs.)

This section replaces the prior workforce flexibility plan authority (29 U.S.C. 3250) with the Make America Skilled Again Grants program, which authorizes states to apply on behalf of the state as a whole, a local area, or a consortium of local areas to receive, for a 5-year pilot project period, consolidated grants of allotments or allocations otherwise provided under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) for youth workforce investment activities (chapter 2 of subtitle B), and adult and dislocated worker employment and training activities (chapter 3 of subtitle B). The Secretary must waive all statutory and regulatory requirements of WIOA subtitles A (general provisions) and B (youth, adult, and dislocated worker programs), subject to program requirements; consolidate and distribute relevant funds as follows: (1) for statewide pilots, the state's total allotments under sections 127(b)(1)(C), 127(c), 132(b)(1)(B), 132(b)(2)(B), and 132(c); (2) for single local area pilots, the area's allocations under sections 128(b), 128(c), 133(b), and 133(c), distributed by the state directly or with the state as fiscal agent; and (3) for consortium pilots, the combined allocations of participating local areas under the same sections. States, local areas, and consortia must each reserve not less than 25% of their consolidated funds for evidence-based workforce development activities—such as skills training, apprenticeships, industry partnerships, and supportive services—that comply with WIOA's priority of service for certain veterans and eligible individuals and aim to improve outcomes for jobseekers, workers, employers, and taxpayers. (Thus, pilot grantees gain broad flexibility to innovate service delivery using core WIOA funding streams, subject to evaluations demonstrating improved economic self-sufficiency and outcomes.)

This section adds paragraphs (16) and (17) to the general requirements applicable to all programs under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). (1) Requires recipients of WIOA funds under §§128(a) or (b) (statewide and local youth activities), §133(b) (local adult and dislocated worker employment and training activities), or subtitles C or D (national dislocated worker and other national programs)—including individual training account providers selected under §122(i)—to assure the relevant state governor, local board, or Secretary of compliance with nondiscrimination and equal opportunity requirements of WIOA §181(a) and (b). (2) For local areas in low-density workforce areas (i.e., states with population density below 1.5 persons per square mile per latest decennial census), applies WIOA §129(c)(4) (local youth workforce investment activities) by substituting 25 percent for 40 percent and 7.5 percent for 12.5 percent.

This section transfers to the Secretary of Labor all functions previously exercised by the Secretary of Education and Department of Education under title II of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (i.e., Adult Education and Family Literacy Act programs that provide grants to states for adult basic education, English literacy, and family literacy services). (Thus, administration of these programs shifts from the Department of Education to the Department of Labor.)

This section directs the Office of Management and Budget to (1) ensure that this subtitle results in no net increase in full-time equivalent employees across all federal agencies affected by this subtitle and (2) certify compliance with this subtitle to the House Committee on Education and Workforce and the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions not later than one year after the effective date of this subtitle.

This section authorizes the Secretary of Labor to delegate, and authorize successive redelegations of, functions transferred by section 201 or subsequently granted to the Secretary, to designated officers and employees (except where prohibited by law or this subtitle). No such delegation relieves the Secretary of responsibility for administering those functions.

This section authorizes the Secretary of Labor (1) to allocate or reallocate any function transferred under section 201 among Department of Labor officers and to consolidate, alter, or discontinue related organizational entities as necessary or appropriate, except where prohibited by law or this Act; and (2) to prescribe rules and regulations, consistent with the Administrative Procedure Act, to administer and manage those functions.

This section directs the transfer to the Secretary of Labor of personnel employed in connection with, and assets, liabilities, contracts, property, records, and unexpended balances of appropriations, authorizations, allocations, and other funds associated with functions and offices transferred by section 201, subject to the general federal authority for such transfers (31 U.S.C. 1531). Transferred unexpended funds must be used only for their originally authorized and appropriated purposes.

This section authorizes the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to make necessary determinations and incidental transfers of personnel, assets, liabilities, grants, contracts, property, records, and unexpended balances associated with functions transferred by section 201 and to terminate the affairs of entities terminated by this subtitle.

This section establishes savings provisions for functions transferred from the Department of Education to the Secretary of Labor or the Department of Labor under this subtitle, as follows: (1) continuing in effect all existing orders, determinations, rules, regulations, permits, grants, contracts, and other administrative actions until modified, terminated, superseded, set aside, or revoked; (2) preserving ongoing proceedings and applications (including notices of proposed rulemaking and requests for licenses, permits, certificates, or financial assistance) for continuation, issuance of orders, appeals, and payments as if the subtitle had not been enacted; (3) maintaining pending suits commenced prior to the subtitle's effective date for proceedings, appeals, and judgments as if the subtitle had not been enacted; (4) preventing abatement of any suit, action, or proceeding commenced by or against the Department of Education or its officers with regard to transferred functions; and (5) allowing the Secretary of Labor to continue any administrative action relating to the preparation or promulgation of a regulation by the Secretary of Education with regard to transferred functions.

This section deems references in any other federal law, executive order, rule, regulation, delegation of authority, or related document to the Secretary of Education or Department of Education (with respect to functions transferred under section 201) to instead refer to the Secretary of Labor or Department of Labor.

This section authorizes the Secretary of Labor to utilize, for a reasonable period needed to facilitate orderly implementation of this subtitle, (1) personnel from the Department of Education for functions transferred under section 201, and (2) funds appropriated to those functions.

This section revises statutory references as follows: (1) in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3272(15)), striking "Education" and inserting "Labor"; and (2) in the Department of Education Organization Act, changing the title of the Assistant Secretary from "Career, Technical, and Adult Education" to "Career and Technical Education" in specified provisions (20 U.S.C. 3412(b)(1)(C), 3412(h), 3416).

This section revises the purposes of adult education and literacy activities under title II of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) as follows: (1) specifies that the knowledge and skills necessary for employment and economic self-sufficiency include digital literacy skills and AI literacy skills; (2) changes the referenced credential from a "secondary school diploma" to a "regular high school diploma or its recognized equivalent"; and (3) changes "English language learners" to "English learners."

This section revises definitions in the adult education and literacy subchapter of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)—which governs state-administered programs providing instruction to adults aged 16 and older lacking basic skills, a high school diploma, or English proficiency—as follows: (1) revises the definition of "adult education" to include developing and using digital literacy skills; replaces "read, write, and speak in English" with "read, write, listen, speak, and comprehend in English"; and replaces "secondary school diploma" with "regular high school diploma"; (2) inserts definitions of "(3) AI literacy skills" (i.e., competencies per the Department of Labor's AI literacy framework to use and evaluate AI technologies responsibly, focusing on generative AI) and "(4) digital literacy skills" (i.e., skills to use technologies to find, evaluate, organize, create, and communicate information, including AI literacy skills), redesignating subsequent paragraphs accordingly; (3) in the definition of "eligible individual," replaces "is basic skills deficient" with "has foundational skill needs," "secondary school diploma" with "regular high school diploma," and "English language learner" with "English learner"; (4) throughout multiple definitions, replaces "English language learner(s)" or "English language" with "English learner(s)," "secondary" with "regular high," and inserts "and educational" after "economic" in one instance; (5) expands permitted activities in "integrated education and training" to explicitly include skills development, postsecondary preparation, digital literacy skills instruction, financial literacy instruction, and workforce training, which may be provided concurrently with adult education; and (6) inserts a definition of "(17) postsecondary preparation activities" (i.e., academic counseling and services to support postsecondary enrollment and success, such as identifying options, navigating transitions, co-enrollment, remediation avoidance, and study skills).

This section revises the authorization of appropriations for adult education and literacy programs under Title II of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)—which provides formula grants to states for basic skills instruction, English literacy, and civics education for adults age 16 and older—to $729,167,000 annually for FY2027 through FY2032 (previously, $577,667,000 for FY2015 escalating to $678,640,000 for FY2020).

This section amends the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) adult education allotments formula by (1) revising the definition of qualifying adult in subsection (d)(3) to refer to lack of a "regular high school diploma" instead of a "secondary school diploma"; and (2) in the outlying area provision in subsection (e)(3), replacing the cross-reference to "the period described in section 3(45)" with "the period described in subparagraph (B) of the definition of 'outlying area' in section 3." (Thus, the change in (2) updates the duration of any applicable hold-harmless protections for outlying areas to match current statutory definitions.)

This section revises Section 212 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) to establish a performance accountability system for programs and activities authorized under WIOA title I by subjecting them to the performance accountability provisions of WIOA Section 116, except that the indicator in Section 116(b)(2)(A)(i)(VI) applies as the percentage of participants who exited the program during the program year and completed an integrated education and training program. Notwithstanding the prohibition on federal databases of personally identifiable student information in the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1015c(a))—which bars a federal student unit record system—the section authorizes the Secretary of Labor to collect deidentified participant-level data for such WIOA programs solely to administer the Section 116 performance accountability system.

This section requires each eligible agency receiving a federal grant for adult education and literacy activities under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to maintain on a publicly accessible website, in an easily accessible format, information documenting non-Federal matching contributions to such programs (currently required at 12% for outlying areas and 25% for states). The information must include (1) sources of the contributions, excluding names of private contributors, and (2) for funds from a state or outlying area, an explanation of their distribution to eligible providers.

This section expands and modifies allowable state leadership activities under sec. 223(a) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) (i.e., capacity-building uses of a reserve from state adult education grants serving low-literacy adults, out-of-school youth, English learners, and others) as follows: (1) In paragraph (1)— (A) requires identification of coordination opportunities with Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act programs to expand integrated education and training; (B) revises professional development requirements to emphasize evidence-based practices (from most rigorous or scientifically valid research) in reading, writing, speaking, English comprehension (new), and mathematics; and adds assistance for eligible providers in reporting performance outcomes via State administrative data matches (e.g., wage records), statewide longitudinal data systems, and open data formats; (C) inserts development and dissemination of evidence-based instructional materials for literacy, English acquisition, postsecondary credentials, and integrated education and training in in-demand sectors; and (D) redesignates subparagraph (D) as (E). (2) In paragraph (2)— (A) inserts development of content and models for family literacy programs; (B) in redesigned subparagraph (G), adds partnerships with institutions offering Workforce Pell Grant-eligible programs; (C) in redesigned subparagraph (J)(i), adds digital literacy skills; (D) replaces redesigned subparagraph (K) with strategies to improve adult educator recruitment, quality, and retention (e.g., professional development, credentials for effective educators, work-based learning including apprenticeships); (E) in redesigned subparagraph (L), changes "English language learners" to "English learners"; (F) in redesigned subparagraph (M), authorizes employer partnerships including with local educational agencies or public agencies to recruit eligible individuals; and (G) adds performance incentive payments to providers; support for program quality standards, accreditation, and family literacy; public awareness campaigns for career and technical education and in-demand sector programs; and postsecondary preparation activities (new subparagraphs (N) through (Q)).

This section revises programs for corrections education and other institutionalized individuals under section 225 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3305)—which provides grants to states for adult education and literacy activities serving criminal offenders in correctional institutions and other institutionalized individuals—by (1) requiring grant awards to prioritize eligible entities operating educational programs in correctional institutions also served by the Pell Grant program for such individuals (authorized under WIOA section 172); (2) replacing "secondary school credit" with "attainment of a regular high school diploma or its recognized equivalent" for certain allowable activities; (3) adding coordination requirements for eligible agencies, including alignment with Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act state grants (20 U.S.C. 2322(a)(2)(A)), development of integrated education and training, collaboration with institutions of higher education operating prison education programs, and descriptions of integration with WIOA section 172 activities where applicable; and (4) defining "prison education program" by cross-reference to the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1091).

This section modifies state eligible agencies' grants and contracts to eligible providers for adult education and literacy activities (i.e., programs serving adults with low literacy skills or English learners to improve basic skills, employment, and postsecondary outcomes) under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act by (1) requiring funds to be available for reimbursement not later than 45 days after award; (2) updating a cross-reference in the special rule on eligible individuals from "section 203(4)" to "section 203(6)"; (3) in considerations for awarding such grants, (A) changing "English language learners" to "English learners," (B) requiring use of evidence-based instructional materials designed for adult and English learners (to the extent practicable), (C) expanding outcomes considered to include "speaking and listening, mathematics, comprehension, and English" (from "speaking, mathematics, and English"), and (D) adding "local educational agencies" to required links with workforce, education, and community partners; and (4) authorizing consideration of costs for contextualized learning, such as integrated education and training or workplace literacy activities, when determining award amounts.

This section revises the local application requirements for eligible providers seeking adult education and literacy grants or contracts under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) by (1) requiring such providers, in describing how they will meet state performance levels, to coordinate with the appropriate state entity in collecting data and reporting on performance indicators; (2) expanding the required description under paragraph (6) of how providers will meet eligible individuals' needs to include integration of adult education with postsecondary preparation activities enabling students to attain stackable postsecondary credentials along career pathways in in-demand industry sectors or occupations; (3) adding a new paragraph (7) requiring a description of how providers will deliver learning in context, including through employer partnerships for workplace adult education and literacy activities and integrated education and training; and (4) redesignating former paragraph (7) as paragraph (8).

This section revises local administrative cost limits for eligible providers under the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (title II of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) as follows: (1) decreases the minimum percentage that must be expended on adult education and literacy activities to 85% (from 95%); and (2) revises the remaining amount to allow up to 10% for professional development for adult educators (which may include apprenticeship programs) and up to 5% for planning, administration (including requirements of WIOA §116), professional development of administrative staff, and specified integration and outreach activities (cross-referencing WIOA §232(3) and (5)). (Thus, eligible providers may now use up to 15% total for noninstructional purposes, compared to 5% previously.)

This section modifies the national leadership activities program for adult education and literacy under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) as follows: (1) in required activities, expands State technical assistance under WIOA sec. 116 to include dissemination of effective practices for using statewide longitudinal data systems or other administrative data sources to determine program performance and reduce data collection burdens on eligible providers, and removes the requirement to coordinate research across federal agencies including the Institute of Education Sciences; and (2) in allowable activities, makes terminology changes ("English language learners" to "English learners"; "digital literacy needs" to "digital literacy skills needs"); revises funding priorities under one grant category to emphasize evidence-based practices (from rigorous research) and prioritizes collaboration with adults with disabilities (including learning disabilities) and English learners while adding family literacy programs; and adds three new grant priorities for (A) developing and evaluating adult educator preparation programs, (B) voluntary State initiatives including staffing models prioritizing effectiveness and program quality standards, and (C) technical assistance on professional development for adult education and family literacy programs. (As background, these activities provide technical assistance, research, and competitive grants to improve adult education and literacy programs serving approximately 1.5 million adults annually, including basic skills, English literacy, and family literacy services.)

This section modifies the Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education program by (1) requiring the Secretary, for FY2027 and subsequent years, to reserve 1% of funds made available under section 211(a)(2)—if such funds exceed by at least 1% the grant amounts awarded to states for FY2026—to award grants to outlying areas for program activities, with the remainder for states; (2) revising the allotment formula to reference section 211(a)(2) funds (from section 3291(a)(2)) and to apply after any such reservation; and (3) changing "English language learners" to "English learners." (As background, the program awards grants to states for adult education integrating English literacy and civics with workforce training to promote employment and self-sufficiency.)